7
When they saw her, and noted how her face was altered and her clothing changed, they greatly admired her beauty, and said to her,
8
"May the God of our fathers grant you favor and fulfil your plans, that the people of Israel may glory and Jerusalem may be exalted." And she worshiped God.
9
Then she said to them, "Order the gate of the city to be opened for me, and I will go out and accomplish the things about which you spoke with me." So they ordered the young men to open the gate for her, as she had said.
10
When they had done this, Judith went out, she and her maid with her; and the men of the city watched her until she had gone down the mountain and passed through the valley and they could no longer see her.
11
The women went straight on through the valley; and an Assyrian patrol met her
12
and took her into custody, and asked her, "To what people do you belong, and where are you coming from, and where are you going?" She replied, "I am a daughter of the Hebrews, but I am fleeing from them, for they are about to be handed over to you to be devoured.
13
I am on my way to the presence of Holofernes the commander of your army, to give him a true report; and I will show him a way by which he can go and capture all the hill country without losing one of his men, captured or slain."
14
When the men heard her words, and observed her face -- she was in their eyes marvelously beautiful -- they said to her,
15
"You have saved your life by hurrying down to the presence of our lord. Go at once to his tent; some of us will escort you and hand you over to him.
16
And when you stand before him, do not be afraid in your heart, but tell him just what you have said, and he will treat you well."
17
They chose from their number a hundred men to accompany her and her maid, and they brought them to the tent of Holofernes.